Criminal Defense Investigator

Grand Canyon Law Group•Phoenix, AZ

6d•Onsite

About The Position

We are hiring an experienced, on-site Criminal Defense Investigator to serve as the lead investigative professional for our cases. This is not a back-office role — you will work shoulder-to-shoulder with our attorneys from intake through resolution, developing the facts, evidence, and witnesses that shape defense strategy and drive favorable outcomes for our clients. The ideal candidate is a former law enforcement detective or seasoned criminal investigator who knows how cases are built — and therefore how they can be taken apart. You are equally comfortable canvassing a neighborhood for witnesses, dissecting a police report for procedural gaps, documenting a crime scene, and holding your own on the stand. Because you carry credibility, sound judgment, and (where licensed) a firearm, you will also serve as a trusted armed presence supporting the physical security of our office and personnel when needed. Whiy this Role Stands Out Central to the mission. Your findings directly influence case strategy, plea negotiations, and trial outcomes — you are not a vendor, you are part of the team. Real ownership. You will lead the investigative function, build our standards, and have the autonomy to run your cases the right way. Variety and impact. Every case is different — from DUI and domestic violence to serious felonies and post-conviction work. Competitive pay + upside. A strong base salary, performance bonus potential, mileage reimbursement, and a full benefits package. A firm that values people. We invest in professional development and protect a culture built on integrity and mutual respect.

Requirements

Former law enforcement detective or equivalent criminal-investigative role strongly preferred; minimum 3–5 years of criminal investigative experience (felony and misdemeanor).
Demonstrated experience with witness interviews, crime scene investigation, and evidence development.
Valid Arizona driver's license, reliable insured vehicle, and ability to travel throughout Arizona.
Strong interviewing, fact-gathering, analytical, and report-writing skills, with excellent written and verbal communication.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple cases and deadlines, and maintain strict confidentiality and attorney-client privilege.
Clean personal and professional background; proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic case-management systems.
Legally eligible and willing to carry a firearm and serve as armed backup security, with all licensing and training required under Arizona law and firm policy.

Nice To Haves

Arizona Private Investigator license (or ability to obtain), and/or professional certifications such as Certified Criminal Investigator.
Prior criminal defense or public defender investigative experience; familiarity with Maricopa County courts, judges, and local agencies.
Experience with serious felony, DUI, domestic violence, or white-collar matters and with digital evidence and body-camera review.
Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency; training in interview and interrogation, forensics, or surveillance techniques.

Responsibilities

Review case materials — client intake, police reports, arrest and charging documents, and all available discovery (statements, photos, video, forensic reports).
Conduct preliminary client interviews to understand the facts, identify witnesses, locations, and evidence, and flag immediate needs such as bail hearings or emergency motions.
Build a prioritized investigative plan for each case with clear tasks, timelines, and objectives, coordinated with the assigned attorney's legal strategy.
Locate and interview defense witnesses, victims (where appropriate and permitted), bystanders, law enforcement personnel, and potential expert witnesses.
Assess witness credibility, reliability, and bias — documenting consistency, potential motives, and strengths and weaknesses of each account.
Prepare clear written interview summaries capturing date, time, location, participants, key statements, and relevant observations of demeanor.
Visit and, when appropriate, re-visit crime scenes; document layout, lighting, visibility, and environmental conditions through photographs, measurements, and diagrams.
Identify physical evidence and evidence that may have been overlooked, mishandled, or improperly collected.
Coordinate with attorneys for legal authority to access locations and with forensic or digital-evidence experts when specialized analysis is required.
Review and analyze police reports, witness statements, lineup procedures, and forensic materials (DNA, toxicology, fingerprints, digital evidence).
Identify inconsistencies, omissions, procedural errors, and deviations from standard practice that create defense opportunities.
Prepare summaries and annotations to support motion practice, plea negotiations, and trial preparation.
Conduct lawful, ethical background checks and records searches — court files, DMV, criminal histories, and other public records.
Obtain and organize medical, employment, and social-media records within legal and ethical boundaries; verify authenticity and store securely.
Work directly with attorneys to develop defense theories, timelines, and chronologies, and to prepare witness outlines and exhibit lists.
Assist with motions such as motions to suppress and discovery motions; provide regular updates on investigative progress and emerging risks.
Serve subpoenas, coordinate witnesses, attend case-strategy meetings and court appearances, and testify regarding investigative findings when required.
Conduct lawful, ethical surveillance and field investigations when authorized, with thorough documentation and respect for privacy and legal boundaries.
Travel regularly within Maricopa County and, as cases require, statewide throughout Arizona for interviews, scene visits, court, and expert meetings.
Adapt hours to trial schedules, urgent developments, and occasional evening or weekend court hearings.
Serve as a trained, armed backup security presence for the firm's office, staff, and clients when needed — providing an added layer of safety in a practice that regularly interacts with high-stress situations and individuals.
Exercise sound, de-escalation-first judgment at all times; any carry or protective response must comply fully with Arizona law and firm policy.
Maintain the licensing, training, qualification, and insurance required to lawfully carry and to serve in this backup capacity.